American Conversation & Culture Program

Course Description

All students will participate in an English Communication class each day. The general focus of our teachers is helping students practice their English conversation skills so they are prepared for future travel, study abroad, or talk with international visitors and colleagues. Classes focus on skills like fluent pronunciation and how to have natural conversation flow rather than focusing on grammar or writing rules. American culture topics, like food, music, keep Portland weird, etc. will be included in everyday instruction.

Students will participate in 12.5 hours per week (on average) of class time. In addition, students will practice their English in small group conversation partner sessions with a fluent English speaker, most likely a PSU student. With the additional 4 hours per week of conversation time, students will receive a total of 16.5 hours of focused instruction and English conversation time per week and ~ 50 hours total over the program duration. 

Class Activities and Field Trips

Classes give students the opportunity to use and practice their English in real-life situations. Students can visit and write about places in Portland, attend cultural events, talk with PSU students and discuss topics related to American culture and the culture of their home country. 

Activities (Summer 2025 Tentative Calendar) and field trips may include:

• Four weekly conversation sessions with trained English conversation partners
• Tax-free shopping in local mall or vintage stores
• Experiencing Portland Food Culture (Blue Star and Voodoo Donuts, Salt & Straw ice-cream, Stumptown Coffee, and food carts from around the world)
• Visiting other popular Portland places like Saturday Market, the Farmer’s Market, Powell's Bookstore, coffee shops, etc.
• Being active around town and having fun!